Sensitive teeth? Pick the right brush for pain-free brushing
For those with sensitive teeth and bleeding gum, brushing and cleaning interdental spaces can create pain and discomfort. Tooth sensitivity occurs as a result of receding gum and exposed dentin. Many factors lead to sensitivity. Brushing too hard, over time, can damage enamel and cause recession of gum. The build-up of plaque, may cause gum disease, leading to bleeding gum and sensitivity. Pick a soft brush with fine bristles to reduce abrasive on tooth structure and to cleanse the gum line better. A toothbrush with compact brush head allows you to brush hard-to-reach areas, like back teeth, which can be easily missed while brushing with normal-sized brush head. |
Comb for silky hair.
A good comb helps you to get a healthy hair. Spend 3 minutes to inspect a comb. To avoid irritation to the scalp, choose comb with smooth edges. Use your finger tips to feel the edges. Avoid comb that cause even discomfort or pain. Comb with a wide-tooth can detangle better. A good comb needs to have the thickness to avoid bending while combing. Choose comb with anti-static property, it helps prevent fizzy hair. Ox horn and certain wood comb have you achieve silky hair. Remember not to comb wet hair, and it can cause breakage. |
SLS-free shampoo!
Check your shampoo label and look for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – a common foaming agent that present in 90% commercially available shampoos. SLS is able to permeate the skin effectively and concentrate in some organs such as eyes, brain and heart. It washes away the hair moisture and may lead to premature shedding of hair, clogged hair follicle and finally, and hair loss. Avoid products containing SLS. Seek natural alternatives! AFC Shokaigan Shampoo with zero content of SLS and natural blend of 10 amino acids to gently deep cleanse, unclog hair follicles and regulate hair scalp pH. |
High Heels & Foot Pain!
Research shows that women who wore high heels have shorter muscle fibers with thicker and stiffer Achilles’ tendons. In the long run, it limits the motion of ankle and heels-wearer will find it painful to walk in flat shoes. Occasional swabbing between lower heels and high heels keep your tendons stretched and prevent aching feet. Regular stretching relieves the tensed muscle fibers. It may not be good for you but you need not give up the killer heels once and for all. Choose your shoes wisely. Platform shoes are often better than stilettos, and always opt for shoes with a snug fit. |
Hormone pills and breast cancer?
Research findings from the California Teachers Study point the decline in breast cancer to the reduced use of Hormone Therapy (HT) at peri-menopausal stage. Prolonged use of HT may be a link to the increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. As your body undergoes the transition, try to rely on natural plant-based alternatives instead. Try Maca (Lepidium peruvianum), clinically proven to support hormonal imbalances, to improve mood and regulates stress. Many women find this a boon to improving menopausal symptoms. |
Healthy travelling!
Nothing spoils the excitement of discovering a foreign place like falling sick. The most common conditions are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps and bloating. It pays to take extra precautions, particularly if you are travelling to developing countries: always stick to bottled water, avoid eating raw or undercooked food. Wash your hands with soap, and use a hand sanitizer when washing facilities are unavailable. |
Boost immune health with Agaricus mushroom.
The Agaricus Blazei Murill (or commonly known as Brazilian mushrooms) contains the highest level of beta-glucans. Beta-glucans stimulate various aspects of the immune system by increasing activity levels of immune cells like macrophages and T-cells that are first to fight bad bacteria and viruses. Lifestream ABM Immuno Advance contains 10 times concentrated extract with other medicinal mushroom extracts for potent immunity protection and support general health. |
Soy Good!
Soy protein can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Soy reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The FDA claims that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol with 25g of soy protein per day can help to reduce the risk of heart diseases. One glass of soy milk contains 6-7 grams of soy protein. For good heart health, have more tofu, or take 3 – 4 glasses of unsweetened soy milk daily. |
Joint food.
Foods high in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables can help to fight off free radicals which may damage our joints. Omega-3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammation properties to reduce swelling and stiffness. For extra cartilage help, take supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin to build up cartilage, improve joint lubrication and to inhibit enzymes from further cartilage breakdown. Joint Sensei is a quad-action formula with glucosamine, chondroitin, cat’s claw and Ajuga extracts specially formulated for joint health and improved flexibility. |
Manage stress better.
When more than 90% of doctor visits are stress-related, you can save yourself time and money by learning how to manage stress levels better. Stress drains energy and deprives your body of essential nutrients for healthy metabolism. Under stress, the body loses the B Vitamins the fastest. Consuming more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, meat or poultry ensures a healthy level of Vitamin Bs. To supplement your diet better, take a comprehensive Vitamin B Complex to improve mood and alleviate stress. Exercise has been proven to regulate stress levels by reducing stress hormones and increasing endorphins (the ‘feel good’ hormone) that helps your body relax. |
Cultivate stronger relationships.
Spending too much time isolated and alone can be detrimental to your mental and social well-being. Long term isolation or a lack of community interaction is proven to result in emotional issues like anxiety. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with your family and/or close friends can foster a sense of belonging and reduce negative emotions. You’ll be amazed that even a simple short message can brighten up your day! |
Oatmeal as a natural exfoliator.
Looking for a natural remedy to cleanse and exfoliate skin? Other than helping lower cholesterol and improving digestion with its high fiber content, Oatmeal contains saponin, a natural cleanser to retain skin’s moisture. Grind 3 tablespoons of rolled oats finely and add water to form a paste. Apply to face and neck, leaving on for 10 minutes. Rinse off. This natural mask gently removes dirt, oils and cleanses the pores without irritating the skin. Try it today! |
Minimize sunlight exposure.
Overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause up to 20% more collagen loss in skin. Always ensure you have sun protection and stay out of the sun from 11am to 3pm, when the rays are the most intense. According to Environmental Working Group in UK, there are currently no sunscreens that meet their safety levels. Common sunscreen contains Vitamin A (retinol/ retinyl palmitate) which may increase the risk of cancer or disrupt hormonal balance. Choose sunscreen without these harmful chemicals. For added protection, wear a hat and cover up. |
Math for weight lost.
One pound of fat is approximately to 3500 calorie. Cut down 500kcal per day gives you 1 pound of fat lost per week. Cut down 250kcal per day by simply by skipping one slice of bread (75kcal), one tablespoon of peanut butter (90kcal), and three tablespoons of rice (90kcal). The rest of the 250kcal, you can burn it off easily with simple exercises: 15-min walk to office and 15-min back from office (95kcal) plus 20-min jogging. Set your weight target sensibly with the math! Remember not to push yourself too hard as it may cause lost weight rebound! |
Walk the mall!
Nothing is more exciting than doing your exercise and shopping at the same time. A research on shopping pattern shows that shoppers spent up to 86 minutes in shopping mall per visit. An 86 minutes of brisk walking can use up 500kcal! That is ¼ of the daily calorie intake of a normal weight adult! Incorporate brisk walking during your shopping spree for the extra calories burnt. A weekly shopping trip can help you lose 1kg in 4 months time, simple by walking faster in the mall! |
How to use DHA for brain development
During the last trimester of pregnancy and first two years of life, the brain undergoes rapid growth - 'brain growth spurt'. At this stage, brain requires sufficient nutrients especially DHA for the development of sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor development. Fetuses and infants receive DHA from mothers through placenta and breast milk. Mothers should ensure sufficient DHA level through rich DHA fishes free from heavy metals and pollutants, and high DHA supplements. Infant fed with formula is highly recommended to have DHA oil added to milk to aid brain development. |
Is memory decline due to aging is preventable?
Some parts of brain essential for memory are highly vulnerable to aging. With increasing age, brain losses its nerve cells and becomes less efficient. Brain aging can be accelerated with exposure to poisons, tobacco, alcohol. Studies have shown that memory problems among older people can be lessened with physical and mental stimulations to improve mental performance. DHA is highly researched as an important fatty acids that support brain function and reduce aging decline. |
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